HELP! how to separate fan+ w.pump? (320i water pump change)

[dobbie82]

Hubby has got the water pump off finally, but it is completely knackered.

If you hold the bit of the pump thats in the engine, the fan still spins and so does the nut. every bit seems to spin independently.

sorry if I am thick but how the hell can he get the fan off?

or do i need a new fan too? (got a new pump)

[Andy325i]

The normal way that we do it is to use a pointed punch and a hammer undo the big nut, (think BMW may use a spanner to do this?) We have always done this with the pump mounted to the rest of the engine, but I guess you could hold it in a vice or bolt it back on.

HTH

Andy

[dobbie82]

hiys, thanks for the answer, but he took it off the engine because the nut was turning, even if you hold the fan. even if you hold the bottom in a vice the nut still turns.

he has bought a huge spanner (32mm i think) it fits but the nut, water pump and fan all spin freely

[Andy325i]

The hammer and punch (or old screw driver) trick is more effective, but if your stuck I do have a fan which you can have

MSN me if you want

Andy

[gcorky]

oil filter strap on pulley and shallow 32 mm spanner,sharp blow to spanner .screws off clockwise remember.


hammer,punch or old screwy sounds primative

[johnna]

I had this on my e36 water pump. I drove the centre from the impeller using a workmate and fbh.

I had to stop for a while as my hand exploded! The fleshy pad down from my thumb split as I held the hammer shaft and hit the pump.

Buy a new water pump, viscous coupling and fan. It's easier and less painful.

[gareth]

how about drilling a few holes in the ali water pump casing and pushing screws though to lock the pump impeller, then holding the whole lot in a vice turn the big nut clockwise.

it's a lot easier with the pump on the car with no rad fitted... hindsight ey?!!!

i have a good fan and clutch lurking... ;)